The International Rose Test Garden

The International Rose Test Garden, located inside Washington Park in Portland, is a 4.5 acre park that is home to 10,000 roses of all types including some that can’t be found elsewhere. This scenic Portland Park is a place where visitors can “stop and smell the rose” literally, in addition the garden is a functional test site for new hybrid rose species.

The Garden was founded in 1917 to serve as a place where European hybrid roses could weather the storm of World War I. In 1919 the city of Portland issued its first annual Gold Medal Award to the best new rose variety introductions. In the 1940’s it became the official testing site for the All-America Rose Selection , a Chicago-based non-profit association of rose growers dedicated to the introduction and promotion of exceptional roses. The Garden houses several smaller theme gardens dedicated to particular people and achievements. The Royal Rosarian Garden honors the Royal Rosarian civic group, while the Shakespeare Garden, only houses plants that were mentioned in its namesake’s plays.

The Gold Medal Garden is filled with the specimens that have won Portland’s Gold Medal Award for best new rose variety. This garden wasn’t planned so much as it developed through50 years of gold medal roses. As a test garden, this is one of only six places in the United States where miniature rose tests are conducted. The Miniature Rose Garden displays these test subjects as well as additional award winning variates in the middle of the garden near the center aisle.

The International Rose Test Garden offers tours given by OSU Extension Service Master Gardener volunteers on Tuesdays and Saturdays in addition guided tours of 10 or more are available for a small fee per person . The Garden is open daily 7:30 am until 9 pm admittance is free but donations are appreciated. Nearly all of the Garden is wheelchair and stroller accessible and leashed dogs are allowed. The International Rose Test Garden is located at 400 SW Kingston Ave just outside Downtown Portland and Nob Hill. For more information check out their website at www.rosegardenstore.org

April 9, 2009 · Filed Under Day Activities, Portland Parks and Gardens

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